'Why didn't you dye my hair?': Obama jokes about grey hair in official joint portrait

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Barack Obama may have commanded the world's biggest political stage, but he's still not above joking around.

The 64-year-old former President had his sense of humour on display as he accompanied Michelle for the unveiling of their official portrait at the Obama Presidential Center on Sunday, June 14.

Painted by internationally renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the massive 9-by-10 piece will be on display in the museum's Hope and Change lobby, which is open and free to the public.

The unveiling of the portrait, an artwork that blends archival photographs, family snapshots, and symbolic imagery, comes as the Obamas return to Chicago ahead of this week's grand opening celebrations for the Obama Presidential Center.

The Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public on Friday.

Barack Obama jokes at portrait unveiling

Titled 'The Obamas: Springing Forth, 2026', the artwork holds special significance as the first portrait officially commissioned by the Obama Foundation for permanent display at the Obama Presidential Center, cementing its place as an authorized visual record of Obama's presidency and legacy.

Made with a cocktail of acrylic, colored pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper, the portrait is based on a photograph taken by Akunyili Crosby.

According to a news release, Akunyili Crosby incorporated her signature image-transfer technique throughout the portrait, weaving together references to the Civil Rights Movement, the Obama presidency, the couple's personal histories, Chicago landmarks, artists, activists, friends, and family members.

“Before we get any commentary in, we just got to soak it in,” Barack said as the portrait was revealed to him and Michelle for the first time.

“It’s us!” Michelle added, admiring the depth of the artwork. “And all of the stories within the story.”

However, the former President had just one question after viewing the piece. "How come you didn't dye my hair in the photo?" he said as the crowd watching the moment laughed. "Don't they usually touch that up a little bit?"

He also took a strong liking to his painted wardrobe, gesturing to the canvas and announcing, “In fact, I’m going to have a suit made with this pattern.”

Njideka Akunyili Crosby pushed herself for the portrait

Crosby insisted that the commission presented both a creative challenge and a chance to tell a story far larger than a traditional portrait could contain.

“My whole studio got to know you,” the artist told the Obamas. “I wanted to make these decisions that tapped into those memories so that when you saw this, it felt familiar.”

“It was so challenging because it made me push myself; it took me out of my comfort zone,” Akunyili Crosby added.

The Nigerian-born and Los Angeles-based Akunyili Crosby said she began the process by sketching the former first couple and dove into research, including reading the Obamas’ respective books and consuming years of interviews.

Among the many details added into the artwork are Michelle Obama's childhood home, the Martin Luther King Jr. bust that stood in the Oval Office during the Obama administration, and the Stevie Wonder album that provided the soundtrack to the couple's first dance.

“You know how long I’ve been wanting this woman to do something with and for me?” Michelle Obama shared, wrapping up the viewing with a warm hug. Looking at the finished artwork, she celebrated with a joyful, “We did it!”